“Euphoria” - The Fashion Behind Your Newest TV Binge

The highly controversial HBO series Euphoria has people outraged with its unflinching depiction of Gen Z reality. Depicting the horrors of addiction and sexuality within a technological age, the show unveils the truth behind high schoolers’ lives. One aspect that stands out is the correlation between fashion trends and important themes prevalent throughout the show. 

If you haven’t heard of “Euphoria,” you must be living under a rock. HBO’s newest hit show, famously produced by Drake and starring Zendaya, is the epitome of a cultural phenomenon. With such icons involved in the production of the show, we aren’t surprised that it’s transcending the cultural norms of modern-day society. Heidi Bivens, Euphoria’s costume designer, captures the innocence that lies at the core of teenage fashion by focusing closely on the balance between popular nostalgic trends and self-expression.

Bivens uses social media to influence which brands she chooses for the characters. Since social media is such a dynamic part of teenagers’ lives today, she wants to ensure the reality of high school is apparent on screen. As the show progresses, it is clear that the fashion within it evolves as well. Bivens collaborates with the actors to design styles that mirror the maturation and growth within each individual character. 

In such a crucial time of adolescence, expression within an individual’s style is flaunted. Butterfly tanks and rhinestone-embellished ring tops convey an outburst of childhood femininity with characters such as Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Maddy (Alexa Demie). Whereas individuals such as Rue (Zendaya) resort to hoodies or larger clothes adorned with psychedelic patterns which can convey struggles with the complexity of teenage sexuality or a desire to cover up emotional trauma. Direct connections to the thrifted vintage of the 90s and glamorous trends of the early 00s guided Bivens to establish a style rooted in timelessness.

The style within the show attempts to reflect life itself for a modern-day young adult, emotionally waxing and waning to mimic the confusion of navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Biven’s costumes attempt to break through the surface of adulthood as the show does, exploring themes such as drug addiction, gender identity, toxic masculinity, abusive relationships, and loss of innocence. 

If Euphoria has inspired your style, we would love to see! Tag us at #ElonOOTD for a chance to be featured!